Vikings position-group breakdowns: An offensive line with something to prove

The Vikings offensive line is the biggest question for the team heading into the season. Quarterback Kirk Cousins benefited from a pressure rate of only 31.0 percent in the preseason, which would have been one of the lowest pressure rates in the NFL over the course of the 2017 regular season — it’s quite possible that the Vikings have a much better pass protection line than people think. Draft C 6-2 312 27 4th year Undrafted 2013 Pro Football Focus’ 15th-ranked center last year, the Vikings’ trade for Jones came at the cost of a surprisingly cheap seventh-round pick. He allowed the highest rate of pressure of any Vikings offensive lineman in the preseason, and the lowest rate of pressure of any Vikings offensive lineman in one-on-one practice reps. It’s an unusual problem, in part borne of the rapid position switches but also could have something to do with the increase in game speed that comes from live reps. Collins has added weight, but it hasn’t completely translated into additional power. Draft OT 6-7 269 26 1st year Undrafted 2017 Collins had the largest split between practice performance and game performance, but Lang — who went on IR after a leg injury suffered in the preseason game against Jacksonville — isn’t far behind.